The objectives of the Convention are the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. The Convention sets out broad commitments by Governments to take action at the national level for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. Since its entry into force, the Parties have translated the Convention into a series of programmes of work. Each programme of work establishes a vision for, and basic principles to guide, future work, identifies goals, objectives and activities, determines potential outputs and suggests a timetable and means for achieving these outputs.

This review examines the impacts of reactive nitrogen on the environment, human health and economies from local to global scales. About 40% of the human population depends upon food production made possible by synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. Combustion of fossil fuels adds more reactive nitrogen to air, water and soil. This distortion of the global nitrogen cycle, while raising agricultural yields, causes degradation of water and air quality, biodiversity, ecosystem services and human health. Meanwhile, reactive nitrogen deficiencies on farmland in many developing countries continue to create economic and health hardships, and accelerate land degradation. This review is intended to assist all stakeholders in understanding and assessing these challenges, and sets out the sources and impacts of reactive nitrogen and current trends in use and emissions. Case studies show the need to integrate scientific understanding and strengthen existing policies addressing the various impacts of reactive nitrogen. Recommendations are made on the assessment, monitoring, information sharing and collaboration required at different geographical scales, and across disciplines and jurisdictions, to develop and implement coherent and effective policies to address nitrogen excess and deficiency.